Curriculum
The ICT Department at Forest Hill School provides the opportunity for students to learn the analytical, interpersonal and technical skills they require to be active participants in an exciting and dynamic world.
To be responsible members of society, students must be aware of the ever-growing impact of ICT. They need to reflect critically on ICT's role in society and consider its positive and negative effects. The department’s role is to develop skills and attitudes that increase students' abilities to address the social and ethical issues of technological advancements.
ICT
Courses
KS3
All pupils in Key Stage 3 are taught ICT for one period per week during each of Years 7, 8 and 9. This gives every pupil an excellent opportunity to develop their ICT skills to the full. Pupils at KS3 broadly follow the QCA Schemes of Work which have been adapted by us to suit our pupils. Internet safety and responsible use of new technologies are encouraged in year 7. Pupils are also taught to use industry standard software in producing websites and they complete a multimedia project in year 9. The result is an interesting and varied programme of study which will stimulate and challenge.
KS4
ICT is a popular option choice for study in Year 10 and 11. The OCR Level 2 Nationals in ICT have been developed to provide candidates with an introduction to the skills, knowledge and understanding required to prepare for work in the information and communication technology sector. They have also been designed to help candidates develop their personal skills in the areas of team working, career planning, communication and problem solving. All the key pieces of software are included: word processing, databases, spreadsheets, desktop publishing as well as Web Publishing. In addition, students will have the opportunity to develop their skills working with animation, sound, still or moving images. This course has the potential for students to obtain 1 - 2 GCSE's equivalent by the end of Year 11. Exam board – OCR
KS5
Level 3 – OCR National in ICT. This course offers students a more in-depth look at ICT in the modern workplace, and gives an insight into its role in specialist careers.
It offers a wide range of units to cover specialist career skills such as game programming and cartooning and animation, as well as problem solving using spreadsheets, digital showcase, digital business communication and collaborative working.
Students will study 6 units over two years and can achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Extra Curricular Activities
As a Department we offer a daily lunchtime ICT Club. All colleagues in the department undertake to supervise this Club at least one day per week.